BDSM in rap music

[Marquis]

Rap, hip-hop and reggae are the main types of music I listen to, and all talk about sexual topics often. Although power play sex will always be a part of the "bitch please" attitude of the hip-hop culture, rappers are starting to make more explicit and sometimes surprising D/s and S&M references.

Here's a verse from rapper 50 Cent. I'm thinking most have you have probably at least HEARD of him. He was the guy who was shot 9 times.

I'm a professional when I become sexual
You need a chaperone so bring your girlfriend next to you
Don't it sound like phone sex, kinky, when I talk switch the slang
Hard to tella nigga from New York, shorty
Come ride on my roller coaster
Porn star stamina, I try not to damage ya
Unlimited tongue action 'til you're climaxin'
Foreplay, you can have it your way
I follow directions, whoa, your jiggling baby
Back shots have your whole back wiggling crazy


I might not think twice about that subtle reference to bottoming if he didn't make such references in other songs as well. Very interesting for a former pro boxer who makes songs about selling drugs and killing people.

I can post plenty of other examples. Eminem makes bottoming references and Ludacris makes several, explicit domination references.

 

[sigsauerprinces]

i have to admit i've had fantasies of being dominated by 50 cent. i dont really see him as a bottom... but yeah, his whole "gangster" thing and the fact that he's lived it and isnt just "talking" about it pushes some of those nice sub buttons in me

 

[Xelebes]

It's very subtle, I'll admit that, but somehow it doesn't come off to me as being quite obvious that is what he is alluding to. To me, it would seem that the artists and the community are pretty much concerned about other things than desiring to find the hedonist's goal of the ultimate fuck (as is the case with the house/techno/rave scene and the metal scene). Those scenes are fueled by angst of something. Rap is different. It seems to me that rap is now in a phase like glam rock - lots of girls, lots of drinking, lots of parties. It's not fueled by angst that the other scenes are being fueled by. It's something else that causesthe rap scene and the BDSM scene to not intersect so evenly.

 

[Marquis]

That's just not true.

Rap is changing like any art form does, but there is as much subtlety, depth and innuendo in rap today as any music form in the last century.

There's more rap than what they show on mtv.

 

[rosco rathbone]

I like the blatant misogyny of the dancehall stuff.


There's a ghostface killa song that is all about how he has his woman totally under his thumb, cooking, cleaning, fucking, sucking and bearing many children--but that seems to me more about the (idealized) traditional relationship than "BDSM" although of course there is overlap cf "Taken in Hand", "traditional marriage", "Xtian BDSM" etc.

In a related note "Marky Marquis"; have you ever read that notorious pamphlet sold by the Black Muslims (wu connection again) called "The Blackman's Guide to the Blackwoman"? All kinds of pimpology in there, including the proper way to chastise with a slap upside the head. It is actually written by a black woman. Once again, it isn't really about BDSM at all, but the overlap is sure there. The one part I really liked was when they were talking about how it is the man's right to come and go as he pleases without explanations and scenes; because he is out in the world hustlin' and tryin' to get it together. Most fellas will know what I am talking about here.

I have a friend who spent some time in a Rastafarian colony in Jamaica. She told me about the servitude of the women, their menstrual hut, the way the guys mainly just lay about getting high and talking in those righteous patriarchal old testament tones as rastas will, as the women folk like scrubbed the laundry by hand in big corrugated metal vats....what a life, eh? Pass the chalice. Holy mount Zion! Nah, I shouldn't mock, "he may go boom with lightning and thunder". I'm just jealous, Jah, that's all!

 

[rosco rathbone]

This is wot I was was talking about.

 

[Xelebes]

That's just not true.

Rap is changing like any art form does, but there is as much subtlety, depth and innuendo in rap today as any music form in the last century.

There's more rap than what they show on mtv.

Yeah true. Your first allusion was to 50 cent so that was what I was kinda refering to. But also, the bdsm facet is less clear than in the metal and the house/techno scene, but that will always change.

 

[Marquis]

I like the blatant misogyny of the dancehall stuff.


There's a ghostface killa song that is all about how he has his woman totally under his thumb, cooking, cleaning, fucking, sucking and bearing many children--but that seems to me more about the (idealized) traditional relationship than "BDSM" although of course there is overlap cf "Taken in Hand", "traditional marriage", "Xtian BDSM" etc.

In a related note "Marky Marquis"; have you ever read that notorious pamphlet sold by the Black Muslims (wu connection again) called "The Blackman's Guide to the Blackwoman"? All kinds of pimpology in there, including the proper way to chastise with a slap upside the head. It is actually written by a black woman. Once again, it isn't really about BDSM at all, but the overlap is sure there. The one part I really liked was when they were talking about how it is the man's right to come and go as he pleases without explanations and scenes; because he is out in the world hustlin' and tryin' to get it together. Most fellas will know what I am talking about here.

I have a friend who spent some time in a Rastafarian colony in Jamaica. She told me about the servitude of the women, their menstrual hut, the way the guys mainly just lay about getting high and talking in those righteous patriarchal old testament tones as rastas will, as the women folk like scrubbed the laundry by hand in big corrugated metal vats....what a life, eh? Pass the chalice. Holy mount Zion! Nah, I shouldn't mock, "he may go boom with lightning and thunder". I'm just jealous, Jah, that's all!

Russel Simmons once said that misogyny in modern rap music was a hybrid of the pimpnosis of 70's funk with the patriarchal ideals of the 5%ers.

I haven't read that pamphlet, but I'm glad I'll finally know the proper way to discipline my black queen. Peace to the gods and the earth.

And having been to Jamaica many a time, I can tell you there is no place I have seen where the women are better trained in the ways of pleasing a man. Secretaries and school teachers in Jamaica can undulate their bodies in ways that would add a 0 to the annual salary of a S. Florida stripper. Plus roll your blunts for you, bring you a Red Stripe and give you the big piece of jerk chicken. You gotta be a "REAL MAN" if you want all that though, none of that bati boy shit.

Although, naturally the caribbean bitch queen is also present in her full reactionary glory, as is the high number of "chi chi mon".

 

[Marquis]

Yeah true. Your first allusion was to 50 cent so that was what I was kinda refering to. But also, the bdsm facet is less clear than in the metal and the house/techno scene, but that will always change.

I didn't realize bdsm was such a direct reference in house and metal, I don't listen to either of those music forms enough.

50 gets a hard time, he's just trying to get some cash. His underground stuff is witty if not all that deep, and he speaks from his own perspective, even if it may not seem all that unique against the backdrop of "urban culture". However, making songs saying "I follow directions" in a culture where other popular songs feature verses like "I beat my bitch with a bat" is of no small significance.

 

[rosco rathbone]

Secretaries and school teachers in Jamaica can undulate their bodies in ways that would add a 0 to the annual salary of a S. Florida stripper. Plus roll your blunts for you, bring you a Red Stripe and give you the big piece of jerk chicken.

Oh , I say old boy. *fans brow* Hold steady!

 

[rosco rathbone]

The really weird thing is that, after talking about the Black Muslims this morning, I took my constitutional through Harlem (where nothing is happening, usually, these days) and passed smack dab through the center of the hornet's nest---some kind of crazy, disorganized, all-inclusive, January One, New Years Day Black Muslim rally. Who knew that this day had such import in their calendar?

From out of every brownstone and project house, men were pouring. The least flambouyantly garbed of them, did rock the kufi and the white robe (can't remember what it is called). But some of them were decked out like..I dunno. 11th century Saracen raiders, in ankle-length satin gowns, with leather curiasses, greaves, headgear, and all kinds of other Roman Legion Style leather armor. Utterly preposterous; especially when combined with the jailhouse/doorag headgear (I can't remember what those things are called, they look like a pair of black ladies pany-hose pulled down over the head with the legs left free to hang behind.) Yet they possessed a gravitas which did brook no mockery. I've seen that particular sect, or whatever it is, but only in one place. They hang out in the vicinity of Madison Square Garden-right in front of Macy's if memory serves- and harangue passers by with their peculiar interpretation of the Koran.

It was rather dodgy round about Saint Nicholas Ave & 125. Angry men had commandeered Public Address Systems and were casting aspersions upon the motives of my race. Not a good day to be the only white face in the crowd.

 

[Marquis]

Don't worry Rosco, in just a few more years Harlem will be so gentrified there will be nary a black fist in sight. Yet somehow I don't think blue shirts with white collars and power ties offer as much entertainment as roman legion outfits.

By the way, those things are officially called wave caps but calling them doorags won't get you a funny look.

 

[Xelebes]

I didn't realize bdsm was such a direct reference in house and metal, I don't listen to either of those music forms enough.

50 gets a hard time, he's just trying to get some cash. His underground stuff is witty if not all that deep, and he speaks from his own perspective, even if it may not seem all that unique against the backdrop of "urban culture". However, making songs saying "I follow directions" in a culture where other popular songs feature verses like "I beat my bitch with a bat" is of no small significance.

The House/Techno scene was originally about homosexuality when it began (think 80's Chicago, San Francisco, Detroit and New York) and when it spread to Europe (with the rise of e) caused it to be focused around sex more than anything and utter freedom in the sex - kink and walking on both lines all the way).

The metal scene - especially death metal, shock rock and black metal make it kinda obvious in their s/m references, though I think it is there originally for mere shock value than anything. And anuthing that has shock value will attract young 'uns. Like a fly to a lamp...

The only other scene worth mentioning is the industrial scene which merely spawned from death metal using electronics instead of guitars.

Rap, Punk and country are different. While they are not of any of the issues that are of the main focus, some artists will describe it. The closest thing I can think of that would insinuate BDSM as an initial cause is the ass-slap - which is heavily borrowed from Reggae/Soul and the Detroit techno scene.

Other than that, you'll be able to trounce me with more cultured knowledge.

 

[rosco rathbone]

The gentrification of that area makes me feel dated. Blocks I wouldn't have gone down in an M1 tank 15 years ago are now lined with pleasant shady trees and Lexuses with law school window decals. Call me a sentimental old lefty but I rather enjoyed the Black Muslim presence today.

 

[Marquis]

The only other scene worth mentioning is the industrial scene which merely spawned from death metal using electronics instead of guitars.

Glad you brought this up, I gotta download Closer to use as fucking music.

Rap, Punk and country are different. While they are not of any of the issues that are of the main focus, some artists will describe it. The closest thing I can think of that would insinuate BDSM as an initial cause is the ass-slap - which is heavily borrowed from Reggae/Soul and the Detroit techno scene.

Other than that, you'll be able to trounce me with more cultured knowledge.

I couldn't understand that first paragraph that well, but if you're looking for a clearer bdsm reference in rap, here's one I remember off the top of my head.

From "What's your fantasy?" by Ludacris.

"Rough sex, make it HURT!
Rip the pants and rip the shirt!"

 

[Marquis]

The gentrification of that area makes me feel dated. Blocks I wouldn't have gone down in an M1 tank 15 years ago are now lined with pleasant shady trees and Lexuses with law school window decals. Call me a sentimental old lefty but I rather enjoyed the Black Muslim presence today.

You're one of the good ones Rosco. I'll see to it that your apartment is passed over when the revolution comes.

 

[rosco rathbone]

You're one of the good ones Rosco. I'll see to it that your apartment is passed over when the revolution comes.

Yes, be sure and not tell them about my penchant for beating black girls.

 

[Netzach]

But I thought that was righteous?

Oh my God the radical left is so confusing!

 

[Marquis]

Yes, this is why the revolution has been taking so long.

Crack really slowed things up too.

Oooooh, you devils you, that was a good one.

 

[rosco rathbone]

Another night. More talk: Didn't you have a right to be human, you asked, hands on lace-pantied hips? Didn't you have a right to your illicit drives like everyone else? What did I want to do, treat you like a black? Well, you weren't going to take that. You were going to have the right to be as "licentiously human"-delicious phrase!-as anyone else. Unless of course-your half West Indian singsong and half actressy exaggeration dropping into street inflection-I really was a bigot beneath the rhetoric? My God, only the most ingenious lawyer could have dreamed of such an argument! But you? It scandalized my understanding, scrambled my emotions. I perspired. You persisted. To be Gwen Trevesant, first and foremost, and to hell with Humanity-At-Large and Black-Is-Beautiful slogans. "Self-fulfillment first", you tapped your black bra, your analyst speaking through your mouth. That was the real test for me, the lust in your eye as you swung toward me to the tune of Dionne Warwick, not whethere I'd sign another advertisement for black rights. Those hips jutting rhythmically, a foot to either side, I was stupefied. Imagine Clarence Darrow summing up with those brilliant hips! It was not easy to remain an impartial juror. I was lost.

-American Mischief Alan Lelchuk

 

[luxey313]

Lovers & Friends

Ludacris in the song featuring Little John and Usher says:
"Better stop trippin, ....
Now turn around and get these whippins"
Next Verse
"You know you like that.
You don't have to fight back,
Here's a pillow bite that."


MMmmmmmm

 

[Marquis]

Another night. More talk: Didn't you have a right to be human, you asked, hands on lace-pantied hips? Didn't you have a right to your illicit drives like everyone else? What did I want to do, treat you like a black? Well, you weren't going to take that. You were going to have the right to be as "licentiously human"-delicious phrase!-as anyone else. Unless of course-your half West Indian singsong and half actressy exaggeration dropping into street inflection-I really was a bigot beneath the rhetoric? My God, only the most ingenious lawyer could have dreamed of such an argument! But you? It scandalized my understanding, scrambled my emotions. I perspired. You persisted. To be Gwen Trevesant, first and foremost, and to hell with Humanity-At-Large and Black-Is-Beautiful slogans. "Self-fulfillment first", you tapped your black bra, your analyst speaking through your mouth. That was the real test for me, the lust in your eye as you swung toward me to the tune of Dionne Warwick, not whethere I'd sign another advertisement for black rights. Those hips jutting rhythmically, a foot to either side, I was stupefied. Imagine Clarence Darrow summing up with those brilliant hips! It was not easy to remain an impartial juror. I was lost.

-American Mischief Alan Lelchuk

Is this describing how Halle Berry got her Oscar?

 

[Marquis]

Re: Lovers & Friends

Ludacris in the song featuring Little John and Usher says:
"Better stop trippin, ....
Now turn around and get these whippins"
Next Verse
"You know you like that.
You don't have to fight back,
Here's a pillow bite that."


MMmmmmmm

I just heard this the other day. Great example.

 

[rosco rathbone]

Still, a man's basic instincts are not easily overcome, guarded and reinforced as they are by the standards of society and rearing of family. I recall the next seminal night when your demon went to work on those instincts. (During those weeks, I was again this close to leaving, afraid that I was getting in over my head. Controlling my girls, remember, is a matter of necessity.)You began that AM escapade whispering in my ear until I awoke to crazy charges. "Jew racist", she said. "You're a Jew racist!" I smiled and said go back to sleep. No soap. I had to talk about it, then, there. In my mind, deciding this was it, no more madness for me, I told her to fuck off and buried my head on the other side of the bed. The next assault was spit out: I was shitty in the sack. That's right, boy, shitty. Finally, as the tempo continued in this vein, I turned over and slapped her with my open hand across the face. Her head jumped away and then back, like a cobra. Once more, my hand went out, hard. For a moment or so, it felt exhilarating, before I realized what I had done. But just as my guilt set in, Gwen began smiling. Idiotically, I thought. Angered wildliy, I shot out my hand again against that soft cheek. "Stop grinning, will you. Stop it!" Yes, she had her man. Infuritated, I held her by her pink frilly nightgown, spitting with anger. The glow on her face was of triumphant joy; a temporary suffering in the service of ultimate victory. I began cursing her and reviling her, using phrases that I had never used before but that had been insidiously taught to me by her sleepy whisperings of smut, like some sleep-machine of obscenity. I found myself adding the word "black" to almost every swear.


-American Mischief

 

[luxey313]

Re: Re: Lovers & Friends

I just heard this the other day. Great example.

Thank you.. I really like that song a lot.